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On the Street: Cadboro Bay Starbucks closing; last supper at OLO on Oct. 28

Cadboro Bay Starbucks closing A Starbucks location in Cadboro Bay is permanently closing ­Sunday.
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This Friday, Jan. 17, 2014, photo, shows Starbucks mugs in a cafe in North Andover, Mass. Starbucks reports quarterly earnings on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2014. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

Cadboro Bay Starbucks closing

A Starbucks location in Cadboro Bay is permanently closing ­Sunday. The coffee shop had been operating for 16 years in the small commercial district near the Cadboro Bay beach, and was a popular spot for residents and students at nearby UVic.

A notice posted on the door gave no reasons for the closings, but likely falls in line with a Starbucks corporate filing in June to reduce its North American locations. “We would like to thank you for being part of our store community; you are the heart of who we are at Starbucks,” the notice said. “We are very thankful to have played a role in your daily routine.”

Calls to Starbucks district manager Clarice Novosad were not returned. Employees are being offered positions at other Starbucks locations.

Earlier this year, Starbucks closed an outlet at Tuscany ­Village, and relocated another in Saanich Plaza. The coffee chain currently has 20 locations in Greater Victoria.

Last supper at OLO on Oct. 28

OLO, an award-winning ­restaurant at 509 Fisgard St. downtown, is closing.

Co-owners Brad Holmes and Sahara Tamarin announced on Facebook they have sold the lease and will serve the last meals on Oct. 28.

“It has been an incredible 10 years since we opened our doors as ulla restaurant. The journey has been full of joy, challenges, learning, love, tears, and growth,” they said on Facebook.

“As a family, we have decided it is now time for us to sell our restaurant. It’s time for someone else to live their dream in this incredible space.”

OLO was named one of Canada’s best new restaurants in 2011 by Air Canada’s in-flight magazine, en Route.

First Table reservation launches

Ten Victoria restaurants are on board as online reservation platform First Table launched in Victoria on Wednesday.

Victoria is the second North American city — after Vancouver last fall — to start the service.

First Table, started in New Zealand in 2014 and used by more than 1,400 restaurants worldwide, allows users who pay $10 to book the “first table” of the night to receive 50% off their food bill for parties of two to four. The platform gives dine-in guests an opportunity to support their favourite establishments during quieter service times.

For its Victoria launch, First Table is giving back to new members and the community by offering half-off the standard $10 booking fee until Nov. 15, with the promo code VICTORIA. During this first month, the other $5 from each reservation made will be donated to United Way’s local More Than Meals outreach program.

The list of participating First Table restaurants in Victoria includes Varsha Indian Kitchen, Uptown Bistro, James Joyce Bistro, The Mint, Chuck’s Burger Bar, Taj: Taste of India, Fiamo Italian Kitchen, The Collective Wine Bar & Kitchen, Sonora Bar & Grill, and Darcy’s Pub.

Cascadia Liquor opens in Parksville

Cascadia Liquor has opened its eighth location on the Island in Parksville at 389 Alberni Highway.

Jeremy Pott, regional operations manager for Cascadia Liquor said : “As a proud Vancouver Island company, we look forward to bringing our team of experts to our new location, as well as a wide range of local products.”

Cascadia Liquor is a part of The Truffles Group, which includes Truffles Catering, Canoe Brewpub and Marina, Habitat Catering, Sequoia Coastal Coffee, and Victoria Butterfly Gardens.